Kylian Mbappé did not leave a lasting impression in his first league match for Real Madrid on Sunday evening. The French superstar was unable to help his team secure a victory against Real Mallorca: 1-1.
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After just under fifteen minutes, it was Rodrygo who broke the deadlock with a beautiful goal, assisted by Vinícius Júnior.
The Brazilian duo demonstrated their chemistry, with Vinícius expertly setting up Rodrygo, who controlled the ball with precision, cut inside past the Mallorca defenders, and struck it brilliantly into the far corner of the net. This early goal highlighted Real Madrid's dominance, as the visitors controlled the pace and flow of the game on the island, leaving Mallorca chasing shadows for much of the first half. The 0-1 scoreline at halftime, while reflective of Madrid's superiority, perhaps didn't fully capture the extent of their control, as they could have extended their lead with better finishing.
In the second half, however, the dynamics shifted. Mallorca emerged from the break with renewed energy and determination, gradually asserting themselves in the match. The home side's persistence paid off when Vedat Muriqi rose above the Madrid defenders to head home a powerful goal from a well-delivered corner. The equalizer sparked jubilant celebrations at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix, as the underdogs had successfully clawed their way back into the game. This goal marked a turning point, with the reigning champions finding themselves on the back foot for much of the second period. Despite their best efforts, Madrid struggled to regain the upper hand, with Mbappé, in particular, finding it difficult to leave his mark on the game.
Mbappé had a rare shooting opportunity after just over an hour, showcasing his trademark speed and positioning to break free from the Mallorca defense. However, Slovak goalkeeper Dominik Greif was equal to the task, making a crucial save that denied the French star the chance to score on his highly anticipated debut. Greif's heroics further frustrated Madrid, as they sought to regain their lead but were consistently thwarted by a well-organized Mallorca defense.
As the match wore on, Real Madrid's offensive output dwindled, with the team from the capital creating few clear-cut chances in the final stages of the game. In fact, they were fortunate not to leave the island empty-handed, as Mallorca squandered two golden opportunities in the dying minutes, which could have handed them an unexpected victory. The hosts' inability to capitalize on these chances meant that Madrid escaped with a point, though the draw felt more like a missed opportunity than a deserved result.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid will return to the Santiago Bernabéu next week, where they will face Real Valladolid. The pressure will be on Mbappé and his teammates to secure their first win of the season, especially after a somewhat underwhelming start. However, they will have to do so without the services of Ferland Mendy, who was sent off in the very last action of the match for a reckless foul. Mendy's red card adds to the challenges facing Carlo Ancelotti's side as they aim to find their rhythm and deliver the kind of performances expected of a team with championship ambitions.
Updated: 12:35, 19 Aug 2024
